Waupaca & Marathon Counties: Wisconsin Fall 2015 Adventure

On October 23rd, 24th and 25th 2015, we explored the Central Wisconsin counties of Waupaca and Marathon including two respective Wisconsin State Parks - Hartman Creek & Rib Mountain. While some of the fall foliage was past its "peak" there was plenty of remaining colors for cloudy and sunny day photography. Our cozy "home base" for Friday and Saturday was the Apple Tree Lane B & B located on 7 acres next to the Crystal River, E3192 Apple Tree Lane, Waupace, WI 54981 http://www.appletreelanebb.com/ Friendly and informative Innkeepers/Owners, Mike & Kerri Thiel provide the perfect blend of accommodations, deliciously prepared breakfasts, and experienced insight on what to enjoy in the area. Our country road meanderings included the Red Mill, N2190 Road K, Waupaca, complete with a red covered bridge and chapel by the Crystal River plus coffee & ice cream. We enjoyed several unscripted excursions into downtown Waupaca, including watching "The Martian" on a rainy Friday evening at the ROSA theatre and eating out at the Simpson's. Saturday included Little Fat Gretchen's, and T-Dubs Public House, window and street photography, The Chain o'Lakes region includes Hartman Creek State Park, a quiet refuge for cloudy day walking. On a bright and beautiful fall Sunday morning, after breakfast, we ventured north to Marathon county and hiked in Rib Mountain State Park, a four mile long ridge of ancient rock dating back to around 1.7 billion years. We climbed a 60 foot tower to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Wisconsin vistas, before heading south to Middleton.